Charlie Manby has swapped the building site for the oche after earning £60,000 at the 2026 World Darts Championship. The 20-year-old from Yorkshire reached the last 16 at Alexandra Palace before securing a two-year PDC Tour card through Q-School in January, prompting him to leave his job with his girlfriend's father's company and focus on darts full-time.
Manby, who also laid bricks between matches during his run, admitted he occasionally misses the camaraderie but not the work itself. Football has also been put on hold to avoid injury, as darts players do not get paid when they are sidelined.
His nickname 'Champagne' Charlie was coined by a football manager who suggested he walk out to Oasis's 'Champagne Supernova'. Manby, who was unaware of former Arsenal player Charlie Nicholas, said he was more nervous walking on at his Alexandra Palace debut than actually playing.
That debut was also notable for Cameron Menzies' first-round meltdown, but Manby remained unfazed, insisting he only feels the pressure he puts on himself and plays his best when relaxed.
Manby has since joined Target Darts, becoming a stablemate of his friend and former junior circuit rival Luke Littler. He praised Littler's impact on the sport and said his goal is to retain his tour card, climb the rankings, qualify for all the majors and win a couple of them in the future.
